The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

The International Year will promote tourism’s role in the following five key areas:
1. Inclusive and sustainable economic growth;
2. Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction;
3. Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change;
4. Cultural values, diversity and heritage; and
5. Mutual understanding, peace and security.

The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals.

In Australia, tourism brings in $51.5 billion annually, with much of this activity happening on the coast.

Our climate change policy is still very much focussed on the mitigation aspects of climate change, while the need to adapt tourism industries has been less apparent.

The Australian ski industry is feeling the effects of a warming climate first hand, and is in some respects the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for climate impacts. Projections are that the average snow season across Victoria and some of New South Wales will become 20 to 55 days shorter and, under a worst-case scenario, 30 to 80 days shorter — all but obliterating the 112-day ski season.

The United Nations declaration represents a call to action for everyone in the tourism industry to contribute to sustainable development. It will be a great way to raise the profile of climate change and sustainability in the sector, and promote more action to make the industry more equitable and resilient.

Are you considering the sustainability issues for your tourism industries?
To what extent are you able to talk about climate resilience?